[Publib] Advice on Moving from Academic to Public Libraries

[Cathy Reeves]

I recently (2 years ago) moved from being director of a community college
library for 25 years to the director of the public library in the same
community. I believe one thing that helped me was the fact that I knew the
community and many of the people in the community either personally or who
they were. Like some of the others have said, there are some crossovers, be
sure to highlight some of these. Knowing technology also never hurts. What I
highlighted was some programming I did at the college, that I did manage my
own budget, any supervisory experience, any experience working with other
individuals or departments on campus, any PR ideas and experience. I also
had been involved at the state level and knew individuals at the state level
and the regional library system and listed this on my resume.

 

What I found interesting when I interviewed (with 3 members of the board)
was, after they asked me their questions they thanked me for coming, etc. At
this point I mentioned that I had a few questions. I was the third person to
be interviewed so this told me the other two probably had not asked any
questions on their own. So as I asked my questions that led into other
discussions. I firmly believe every candidate should have a few questions
prepared to ask and I look for this when I interview people.

 

Anyway, it can be done. I liked the community college setting, but I also
like being director here where I can do more programming and work with a
larger staff.

 

If you are interested in doing public library administration be sure you
like being an administrative work. There is a lot more paper work and
personnel issues that you might think. But also allow time to be out with
the public. And like someone said, you are the spokesperson for the library.
I do a regular public TV program once a month and speak to our city
commissioners quarterly, which is also aired on the same TV channel. It's
hard to go anywhere in town that someone doesn't say "I saw you on TV."

 

Good luck.

 

Cathy Reeves, Director

Dodge City Public Library

Dodge City KS

 

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
On Behalf Of Tina Marie Adams
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:02 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Advice on Moving from Academic to Public Libraries

 

Hi All,

 

I am new to this list and subscribed because I am hoping to move from an
Academic Library where I have worked as a Reference Librarian/Subject
Specialist (in areas ranging from Business to Health) to a Public Library. I
have been a professional for over 7 years. Can you give me any tips on what
to highlight (do publications count or is more about experience, etc), what
might I be asked in an interview? I have no PL experience. How difficult is
it to transition? 

 

Thanks for any insight. 

 

Best,

Tina

 

Tina Adams

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Library Business Team Leader
Tina.Adams at nau.edu

928-523-6849

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

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